Menopause is a process that roughly half of the American population will experience at some point in their lives. Nonetheless, many health insurance plans do not cover essential treatments for menopausal women. Now, Oscar winner Halle Berry is the face of a public campaign to end this gap in healthcare coverage.

Berry advocates for menopause health coverage: ‘We exactly deserve it’

Berry has emerged as one of the most prominent voices advocating for menopause-related issues. She is currently pushing the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve AB 432, the Menopause Care Equity Act. The proposed legislation would require California health insurance providers to cover menopause-related healthcare, including hormone replacement therapy. Newsom vetoed similar legislation last year, arguing that the mandated coverage would be “too far-reaching” and thus too expensive.

Berry posted a video on social media urging the Democratic governor to support the current version of the bill.

“I just got word that Governor Newsom’s office is pushing back on a part of our menopause bill that is crucial,” Berry told her supporters. “It’s the part that says that insurance companies must pay for a woman’s HRT. I mean, that is the most important part! That’s a huge part of what this bill is all about because not every woman can afford it. It’s not exactly cheap, but we exactly deserve it.” Berry also pointed out the disparities in insurance coverage for older women versus older men, noting that “men have that little blue pill covered by insurance” and urging her followers to “be in support of women also living their best lives in their second act.” Berry’s post included a link to sign a letter to Newsom urging his support for the bill in its entirety.

“I believe he wants to do the right thing, but he needs a little push,” Berry said.